Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Akechi and Ren had started talking with each other after that fateful encounter. They quickly bonded, finding similarities and interesting differences in each other. Well, other than the obvious things like their appearances and occupations. 

There was only a year difference between them, both seemed to enjoy coffee, they only had an inch height difference, but it always felt like Akechi was hiding something behind that sweet smile in every conversation. No matter how open they were, Akira felt isolated. 

Then again, Akira never opened up that much either. Just small details about his life then and there. He was more interested in Akechi than anything else but when pressed on, he'd be obliged to answer fully. 

Akechi seemed interested in him too, saying he was always so happy to talk to him. Perhaps they even went on a date once? Akira couldn't tell. Akechi said he was asking him out, which left him more than a little confused but he enjoyed being around him as well. Just a nice mutual feeling that made Akira feel some butterflies sometimes. 

‘ Wow, I still can't believe I'm really friends with him. So many others would be so jealous, but it's more special than that.’ Akira occasionally thought to himself.

The cat he got, Morgana, seemed to get tired of it. As if he was telling him to shut up about Akechi already.
Would Akira listen? No, of course not! It's a cat! A silly little black and white cat with blue eyes that gives him stupid looks when he won’t share his sushi! He's not gonna listen to him when he's trying to discover why he was feeling that way. 

But one day, Akechi stopped sending any messages; he no longer called either. Akira never even saw him again for a long while. The last text he had received from him was: “ If only we had met a few years earlier, Kurusu. ” His whole world was flipped upside down. 

He sent so many texts in return, only to keep seeing them sent. Never seen, never read. 

Akira spent days and nights, turning into weeks, months, years thinking about that text. What its significance was, what he should do next. It kept playing and playing at his mind. Why did he say that? How long ago would it have been? What happened to Akechi? 

That charming brunette with those crimson eyes and elegant manner got stuck in his head yet again, but for an entirely different reason than whatever warm feeling he had towards him. This time, it was his despair. 

That's when he finally decided to take the first step forward. Become a defense attorney and find Goro Akechi again. It would be the only way. He'd HAVE to face him again and explain it all to him! The whole truth! 

I hadn’t seen him for so long since then, until our eyes met again. It just wasn't the way I expected it to go. 

—

May 2nd, 10:05 AM

District Court

Defendant's Lobby No. 2

—

“Ren-Ren!! You've GOTTA help me out!” Squealed the voice of Akira's best friend, Ryuji Sakamoto. The blonde haired friend probably seemed more like a dog than human. He'd scratch, bite, and especially kick. More or less, he just keeps barking. This time, he was wailing and whimpering like a defeated mutt. 
Now, why would that be?
Because he somehow stumbled into getting accused of murder caught up in his troubles. 

“I know, I know Ryuji.” Akira sighed deeply, patting him on the back. “Besides, I'm a Defense Attorney now. This'll officially be my first case…” He was busy calming his own nerves. Obviously, anyone would be nervous. Not like Akira showed this anxiety to anyone in the room though, just a bad habit of his. He never seemed to care. 

“I'll be sure you're found innocent, I believe in you, Ryu-Ryu.” Akira smiled slightly. They had their own nicknames for each other, which is just Ryuji making his own based off of Akira's middle name and Akira taking inspiration from it out of spite. 

“You do!?” The sniffling disaster seemed to have gained some hope hearing his best friend would defend him in court. All Akira could do was sigh under his breath bitterly and think of how much of a mess this was truly going to be. 

The way the two met was rather… Odd to say the least. It was a rather sunny day. During sakura season. Ryuji was taking his daily jog and Akira was busy stuck in a huge crowd. The two incidentally bumped into each other and they kept apologizing to the other until Ryuji invited him out for ramen as his treat. 

—

“You know, I do think it's just a little weird that I don't know your name and yet we're acting like we've been best friends since grade school.” Ryuji spoke, slurping up another chopstick full of noodles. 

“Ah, my apologies. My name is Akira Kurusu. Some call me my middle name though, it's Ren.” Akira shrugged it off rather easily, trying to speak in a more formal or elegant manner to seem polite. 

“Hmm, well I'm Ryuji Sakamoto! But you can just call me Ryuji, Ren-Ren!” The blonde grinned rather widely, giving Akira a more enthusiastic personality from him. Besides, that nickname… It was definitely something. 

“Alright, nice to meet you, Sakamoto.” Akira teased him with a playful grin. Which gave him a major hair ruffling as payback. “Wh - hey!” He tried to shield his head from the attack but was too late for that. Black strands of hair stuck out everywhere by the time it was over, even his glasses felt messed with even though they weren't touched. Akira felt in a bit of a daze, even in some sort of confused trance. 

“You asshole! That was a bit cold…” Ryuji frowned, nudging Akira away. “I give you a special nickname and you leave me in the dust? Not cool, dude.”

Akira's smile seemed more genuine than before now. “Alright, alright. Don't worry about it too much, I was just joking, Ryu-Ryu.” And for a moment there, he seemed to only just be processing what was just said. 

“Ryu-Ryu…?” Ryuji paused with a dumbfounded expression. “Hahaha! I LOVE it!” He pulled Akira into a tight hug from the side.  

Akira found himself stuck in the hug for a bit but he didn't particularly care. It was a bit like it took care of his worries for just that short moment. Almost like he was going to drift to sleep within his arm… No! No! He shouldn't do that! Akira shook his head, finally pulling away from the hug. 
“Erm - I'm glad you like it. I was just basing it off of your nickname, but I didn't think you'd genuinely take it.” 

“Well, I like it! Make it official! Ren-Ren and Ryu-Ryu, the best duo around!” Ryuji seemed super excited, and it truly did make Akira appreciate how it was to have someone by his side again. 

—

“Of course. I feel rather indebted to you after all.” Akira nodded. A debt of friendship. Ryuji had only shown the most kindness to him ever since he had his slump. Typically Morgana would be the one to comfort him, but his best friend always made him smile, even without knowing the problem. 

“Huh? Indebted?” Ryuji stared at him for a few moments. Just looking for an answer within whatever he could get but found nothing. Akira was the master of disguise.
“You don't need to pay me anything dude, so what's this about?” He gave him a quizzical look. 

‘ Of course he wouldn't know. I never told him about Akechi. ’ Akira thought to himself, pushing up his glasses close to his face. “You'll find out eventually. When the time comes,” He brushed it off easily, which made Ryuji a little more than pissed off. Then, the glasses fell down his face again. 

“But seriously! What the hell have you been keeping from me? You have no reason to hide shit!” Ryuji whined with a small pout. His voice was no longer in the tone of a playful dog, but it became more like a ferocious lion. 

Akira could only sigh and hope this didn't go completely wrong or come off as cold. “It's something personal to me from a while. Please drop the subject, Ryuji,” Maybe, just maybe, that would convince him. He didn't want to speak about it, so in order to hide it all he made sure that his eyes were hidden behind his glasses with a glare. 

“Oh, alright. Sorry dude, I won't push it.” Ryuji nodded and backed off slightly from the conversation. If he had to be honest, he was still wondering what that debt was. Could it be just their friendship? No, that's too basic to hide. Akira said it was something super personal. 

“Now that we have that settled…” Akira sighed. “Let's recall the events of what happened from your point of view. I'll seriously need it in order to prove it wasn't you.” The glare on his glasses faded away, exposing his expression once again in a not-so menacing manner. 

“Right. So, I don't have too much to say. Never saw no murder or anything at all. I was just going to a chick's house because she invited me over. It was soo cool! Totally felt like a first date!” Ryuji grinned, which in return made Akira sigh in disappointment. It did not surprise him at all the root of this was him going to a girl's house because he somehow got her number. 

“Can you tell me the name of this woman you were with?” Akira was very sure it was the victim, but you always have to make sure. 

“Oh, yeah. Her name was Kirumi, she told me.” And bingo. “She had long brown hair and bright blue eyes. A really beautiful babe!” Ryuji seemed to be blushing with this wide grin on his face.

“Alright, thanks. That's good enough about the victim.” Akira didn't seem all that interested. “Ms. Kirumi Aoi, a local painter under the tutelage of Ichiryusai Madarame. You were acquainted with her through just that?” He asked curiously. 

“Yeah, I only knew her because of that one date. Sigh, it's truly a shame. I thought we'd really hit it off.” Ryuji kept on complaining instead of focusing on the actual events. 

“I'm sorry, Ryuji. But we need to avenge her, to bring justice, you know?” Akira replied while trying to comfort the mourning friend. He also just hoped this would set him back on track instead of thinking about girls to date… 

“Yeah, you're right. She'd definitely appreciate her death not going in vain, and everyone would be at peace knowing they've got the killer. So, you've gotta help me, Ren-Ren! Catch the killer for me while I'm in jail, would ya?” He seemed to forget Akira was already trying to help him as a defense attorney, and as his friend. 

“Haha, Ryuji… I'm already trying to help you now. I'm just gathering intel… Hopefully I can see what's in the court record since this is really on such short notice.” Akira started laughing nervously. 

“Oh yeah, right. All that lawyer stuff! You got this!” Ryuji gave him a thumbs up, which only comforted Akira in the slightest. 
“Though, I heard the guy prosecuting was some hotshot celebrity. Couldn't remember his name though, but rumor is he hasn't lost a case yet.” He added on that comment. 

Akira suddenly felt a small feeling of foreboding. Hotshot celebrity? Where had he heard that terminology before? 
… It took him a bit to realize who it could possibly be, but he wasn't sure. 
Akechi. If he was still alive, he just ghosted him out of nowhere. He could only hope it was a lie to keep his sanity at rest. 

“Wow, well I bet he's a bit of a cocky guy then. Just wait until he loses to the wild card rookie of court! Akira Kurusu!” Akira chuckled lightheartedly even through his growing feeling of anxiousness about who that guy prosecuting Ryuji is. Soon, he only realized he was getting off track then and cursed himself out. It's time to get serious! Ryuji's life is on the line! 

“Ryuji! You've GOT to tell me what you did that day now! Or else you're doomed !” He raised his voice at the blonde, which did get the best results. 

“Okay! Okay! I got it! Jeez…” Ryuji frowned, trying to recall the actual events this time rather than just rambling about Kirumi. 
“So, I think it was around 1:00 PM or 1:30 PM, somewhere around there. I was just meeting up with her to get a coffee and go back to her house. We stayed there and chatted a while. I never knew painters could be so… Interesting. Turns out she was into sports too!” Ryuji slowly stopped, groaning over the fact he got sidetracked again. “Damn it! I'm so sorry, dude! I just can't help myself sometimes!”

“It's alright, just fix yourself up and start again.” If there was something Akira was very certain he was good at, it was comforting people. Some people even recommended he try being a therapist. Obviously, he didn't want that. Spending your whole life fixing others' problems… Sure, he wanted to help the world, just not feel condemned to having to fix everyone or else you're nothing. He'd fix the world in a way he felt he could do! That's also partially why he became a defense attorney. To fix the system. He wanted to do it alongside Akechi, that was his plan. 

“So, like. We get to her house at 1:35, chat for a while, and I leave around 1:50! I told her I'd make a phone call but when I called her at 2:30, she never picked up. I suppose she was already dead at the time. Then a few hours later, they go and arrest me for murder! Whatever the hell they got on me must be good!” Ryuji finished his recollection with a scowl. Of course, unfair judgement is always predator to those who fall into its grasp. Mostly those seen as delinquents or outcasts from the rest of society; Ryuji was just a perfect match for the blame. 

“I see then. It's not too much to work with, but I'll do what I can. Even against someone who hasn't lost before.” Akira nodded, a small grin spreading across his face. He needed to feel confident in the courtroom of course, put on his best act!

“The defense may now enter the room within the next five minutes!” The bailiff called to them. 

“Well, good luck out there Ren-Ren!” Ryuji patted his defense attorney on the back with a wide grin. 

‘ I think I'll really need it, ’ Akira thought to himself miserably. But he only responded with a mere “Thanks.” As he went into the courtroom. 

— 

When Akira entered the courtroom, the first thing that caught his eye's gaze was who the prosecution was. 

His movements stopped, even his breathing did for a moment. He was staring right at the guy who had saved him before. Same brunette hair, cut in the same fashion. His hair only reached shoulder length in the back, bangs somehow not covering his face. Same crimson red eyes that looked just like rubies, a great treasure and something Akira would want to stare into for minutes, hours even so fondly. Same smile that hid so much, but it wore different skin. The smile was not kind. Not kind at all. Instead, it was malicious. Now, they were on opposite ends. 

“ Akechi… ? ” Akira's voice staggered, his expression so clear for once. Shock, recognition, betrayal even? He had become a defense attorney to see him, not go against him! 

When Akira spoke, that's when Akechi decided to take notice and examine who exactly the guy on the other side of the courtroom. 
The only difference was he completely kept his cool. They were obviously in two different mentalities due to their circumstances. 

“Well, it seems that someone has caught a little fright.” Akechi taunted him. Their first interaction in years, and he taunts him for almost panicking! 

Akira's body trembled slightly, taking deep breaths in and out as he pushed his glasses close to his face. Just trying not to panic… Trying not to crumble at the sight of him again. His whole world was shattering, falling apart. Everything he had worked for was a lie. 

“The defense is fine. The prosecution seems to be seeing something he isn't. Akechi-San, don't be losing your touch now.” Seems Akira was getting better at the art of shit talking and bullshitting. 

“Are you two acquainted with each other?” Ryuji chimed in with a curious grin, only to be met with a death stare from both Akira and Akechi. 
“... Oh… ” He cleared his throat. “I think not then, I guess.” He shrugged it off for the sake of himself not getting more glares from the pair of old friends. 

 “I think we have a lot to speak about after this trial, Akechi-San.” Akira smiled slightly, taking on the appearance of Akechi's hostile grin. He wanted to see just how he would react more, get anything he can out of him. He knew Akechi well enough to know it would take a lot of pressure in order to get him to crack. 

“It appears so. Hmm, how intriguing,” Akechi nodded, turning his attention away from Akira because he wanted to escape the conversation from prolonging on any further. 

Akira finally had the time to calm his nerves and take a step back. Maybe it was just him, but Akechi seemed nervous for once. He'd never seen him that way. Nobody else seemed to be pointing it out though, even amongst the whispers.

‘ Do those two know each other? ’

‘ Omg! I’m so jealous! ’

‘ There’s way more important matters at hand, stop fangirling. ’

‘ But I’m still so curious! ’

“Order! Order! I will have silence in this courtroom!” The judge announced. Too much noise always made Akira a bit dizzy anyways… Perhaps it was just his sensors going haywire when too many people were talking, but he didn’t necessarily like it either.

“We're gathered here today for the trial of Ryuji Sakamoto on accusation of first degree murder.” It was even first degree too? That means they were going to argue Ryuji had planned it from the start. But, there was no way he could've planned it if he didn't do it in the first place! 

Akechi's grin couldn't have been more smug. A cocky, annoying grin. Whatever he's going to do, he's not playing fairly. Even though he spoke so much of justice and being against forging evidence… What even happened to him? Akira still couldn't help but feel lost. So, so lost. 

“Is the prosecution ready?” The judge turned to Akechi. Obviously, he couldn't see what Akira saw. Just a normal man behind that desk… 

What bullshit. 

“Of course,” Akechi bowed. “I'll be sure to serve justice just as I always do!” He gave a polite smile. It was one Akira had always seen on those court shows of him as well. This was probably just a part of this public façade he wore.

“Alright, and is the defense ready?” The judge then turned to Akira, awaiting his answer. 

“Yes, the defense is ready! I assure you, not everything is quite as clear as it seems, but it is my goal to pursue the truth.” Akira nodded, aware he was just coming off as some bullshit, virtuous man. He was just being honest with himself. If he were to fix the system, he'd expose all lies! Even if it meant his client was truly guilty! 

Akechi seemed intrigued by Akira's words, a gloved hand raised right to his chin in thought. He seemed to be finding any ulterior motives to his motives, but put it on hold. 

“Alright. The prosecution may deliver its opening statement to the court.” And with that, the trial truly began. 

“Well, A death occurred at a poor apartment at 2:00 PM on April 18th. The victim was Ms. Kirumi Aoi. A painter under the tutelage of Ichiryusai Madarame, a very famous artist. She was only 26 years old. The accused, Ryuji Sakamoto, was the last person seen with her at the time. Case closed.” Akechi smirked, then pulled out a file. “I also have the autopsy report with me to submit to the court. She died of blunt force trauma, only one strike to the head and it was instantaneous. The object used was a baseball bat that belonged to the victim.” He ended the opening there, submitting the autopsy report to the court. 

“One small question, Akechi.” Akira cut in. “Is there perhaps any security footage you recovered that could incriminate Mr. Sakamoto being on the scene?” He asked, even though he knew Ryuji was there due to what he told him. He'd need to be there at the time of the murder. 

“The apartment complex held no security cameras. An unfortunate truth that sets us back only a slight bit. Because there was someone who witnessed him fleeing from the scene.” Akechi messed with his glove a bit as if he was re-adjusting it. “Simple. We have evidence, and a witness. That's all that we need to say that Sakamoto is the true evil here,” After adjusting his glove, he pointed straight to where Ryuji was. 

“Well, bring it on.” Akira's grin turned into a cocky, smug grin. He was manipulating his expression and demeanor to his advantage. Wow, emotions really were easy to control when in the right, or wrong hands. 

The courtroom doors opened and in came a man in a suit, with short black hair in a fashion that was professional. He also wore glasses, but he looked nothing like Akira. 

“Name and occupation, please, witness?” Akechi asked the man with a polite tone. 

“Name: Natsuhiko Nakanohara. Occupation: I'm a businessman at the Takedeshi ward office.” Nakanohara nodded. 

“Great, now, could you tell us what you saw at the time of the murder, 2:00PM on April 18th?” Akechi questioned, allowing the witness to speak on it.

—

What Happened April 18th

—

“ I was on my way home. I live in the same apartment complex as that girl, the victim. I live just next door in fact.  ”

“ It was probably around 2:00, I didn’t have work that day and it was just after I had gone out shopping. I heard a loud thud coming from Ms. Aoi’s apartment, like something falling or moving from within. ”  

“ I saw that the door was wide open, and on instinct I ran to look inside. ”

“ The whole apartment was in disarray, very unlike Ms. Aoi. ”

“ But, the sight of her body is something I’d never forget. ”  

“ I don’t know what factor of it made it so scary, maybe it was just that… Yeah, she was dead. Bleeding from her head. ”

“ Stepping back outside though, I saw a man going around the corner. It would be that of the defendant, Mr. Sakamoto. ”

—

‘Just great, that’s what I have to work with for a cross-examination?’ Akira thought to himself sarcastically, mumbling small curses under his breath. But, something didn’t add up. Something was vague and felt missing. 

“Mr. Kurusu, you may now begin your cross-examination.” The judge announced, giving a nod to Akira so he could begin to try and make sense of it.

“Be careful now will you, Kurusu? One wrong move and -” Akechi was swiftly cut off from finishing his sentence.

“And you can shut up, Akechi. Mind choosing your words towards me carefully as well.” Akira wagged a finger towards him with a grin; not letting those words of caution affect him would be crucial. He was very well aware that Akechi was just trying to put him under pressure, but he wouldn’t let it!

“Alright, with that interruption out of the way… Uhm, Mr. Nakanohara. Mind describing how the room was in disarray?” Akira questioned, turning his gaze to Nakanohara. This was the only thing he really felt he could question.

“Right. There was a painting in the room, one I had never seen before. Also, there was a phone ringing in the room after I went in.” Nakanohara stated with a nod.

“I see, could you perhaps add the part about the phone into your testimony? I believe it’s very much tied to the defendant.” Akira nodded. “In fact, I can actually prove why. May I have a record of Ms. Aoi’s phone calls? It may be from a month back, but I doubt she’s gotten much since then.” He grinned, giving a small glare to Akechi that his witness’ testimony would crumble into tiny crumbs within his hands in a matter of just a few mere seconds.

“Sure, I have them right here. I didn't feel the need to think they'd be useful, but if you say so, Kurusu. Go wild with whatever bold accusation you have.” Akechi grinned, submitting the phone records to the court. 

“Well, thank you. It’s because of that that you prove the accused’s innocence!” Akira chuckled. “If we look at the records for calls that day, you’ll see she got one from Mr. Sakamoto at 2:30 PM!” 

“ Hold it! Kurusu, there could very well have been a phone call from someone else around the 2:00 PM time period, do you perhaps have a counter for that?” Akechi posed with that cocky grin. It wasn’t really annoying Akira as much as it had before. Most likely because he knew he had the upper hand now.

“Why, yes I do, Akechi. If you take another look at the phone records. There weren't any phone calls within that 30 minute time period, it’s perfectly possible.” Akira’s lips curved into a wide smile. “That Mr. Nakanohara here did not see anything at the time of the murder, but merely found the body at a later time period than he thought he did. Which gave the killer a 30 minute time period to clearly get away!” He announced, pointing straight to Nakanohara.

“Eek! But - what I said was true!” Nakanohara insisted. “But - that painting…” He seemed to have an epiphany in a matter of a few seconds as soon as he murmured those words. “Madarame…” He gritted through his teeth.

“Hm? Excuse me, Mr. Nakanohara. What is it about Madarame?” Akira asked with a curious tone to his voice. What did Madarame have to do with this murder? How was he connected to it other than being the victim’s teacher?

“He was the one who made the painting that was in the room. Or at least, it was claimed to be his. Unless it was her’s, I wouldn’t know.” He shook his head, seemingly defeated.

“Well, of course it would be hers, right? She’s an artist,” Akechi thought about it for a few moments as if it was just common sense it would be Kirumi’s painting.

“I think Mr. Nakanohara is hiding something from us. He seems to have realized something but is not at the liberty to share. Very well, if you don’t share this information, we can hold you on accounts of withholding information as vital evidence.” Akira was not here to play around, unless it was something about toying with others. He just had to make them say the truth, and he’d be able to shed the light. 

“I… I don’t think this is fair of me to say, and it may come forth as a shock to many considering his status.” Nakanohara cleared his throat. “But, it’ll help this case come to a close I think.”

—

The Truth about Madarame

—

“ This is going to be a bit outrageous of me to claim but… ”

“ Madarame is a scam! ”

“ He uses his pupil's paintings and passes them off as his own! ”

“ It's possible that the painting in her apartment is actually her's, but he's using it… ”

“ I know because I used to be his pupil as well! ”

—

The whole court fell into a deep silence. All of them didn't know what to do, whether to take Nakanohara's word for it or not. It all seemed absurd! Madarame was a famous artist! Not some fraud! Was what Nakanohara said really true? 

Even Akechi and Akira seemed frozen, confused. This conclusion was something neither expected. Akira was expected to pull some bullshit last second and Akechi had no knowledge of this. 

“Witness, I don't believe I heard of this painting in her room before…” Akechi gave a death stare to Nakanohara, which left the witness naturally quaking in his loafers. 

“Erm - well. I didn't think too much of it until now… But Madarame could be the entire key! I'm sure of it!” Nakanohara's fist clenched tightly. “Please tell me you all recovered the painting or something… If it was stolen, we're as good as doomed.” He shook his head with a small sigh. 

“I'd… Have to ask.” Akechi grimaced, seemingly disappointed for not knowing this information sooner. 

“Well, this is quite the revelation! We must bring Madarame in here at once! A quick intermission must be held in place!” The judge announced, banging the gavel on the platform to signify his decision. 

—

May 2nd, 11:04 AM

District Court

Defendant's Lobby No. 2

—

Ryuji rubbed the back of his head, trying to find the words to say during this intermission. “So…” He cleared his throat. “Nice job out there, Ren-Ren!” He wrapped an arm around Akira, ruffling his hair with a wide grin. 

“Woah!” Akira fumbled into the small one handed hug, having to hold on so his glasses didn't fall off his face. “Well, thank you, Ryuji.” A small smile curved across his face. 

“Of course! Seriously, my ass would've been kicked if anyone else was defending me, I'm sure! They're probably all super scared of Akechi, I'm glad you have the courage to stand up against that sham prosecutor!” The blonde was practically wagging his tail with delight, if he ever even had one. 

“But honestly, all of this makes me curious how they're gonna bring Madarame in to testify. I've heard he's on an important convention right now so are they just going to bust in and take him?” Ryuji asked, letting go of Akira quickly to wonder how. 

“Well, because of that, he may make someone testify on his behalf. Like a family member or such that knows him best.” Akira replied, thinking about it some more as he fixed his messy apparel. The thing he could never fix was his messy hair though. He's had it ever since high school and never seemed to truly go away, even after all those years. 

“That's kind of shit. Even after all these years, adults still have so much power over us.” Ryuji grumbled, which got him a nudge from his best friend in return. 

“Ryuji, I think you're forgetting something,” Akira tapped his foot. “We're both adults now, we were promised by Sae that the ones who were above us would be better at the time. We can continue to make Tokyo, no, we can make Japan better than what we experienced. And I'm starting right at the court system!” It felt like he was giving some form of speech for a second as a man who could do absolutely anything. But in truth, he was just another person. 

“Wow, you've seriously got a goal.” And maybe some issues, Ryuji acknowledged. The first impression he had of Akira before was ‘Wow, he and I seem a bit similar.’ but maybe he was wrong. He would've probably gotten into a fight with someone before being this logical. Maybe that was the real difference between the two, despite being outcasts, Akira always prevailed without using violence. 

“It's what motivates me to go forward, as well as something else. But, that reason is confidential.” Akira gave a solemn nod towards Ryuji. He pleads him not to question anything without words with this simple gesture. 

“Sorry about that, man. At least you can use that power to push forward! Have confidence!” Ryuji grinned, swaying back and forth to the point it was noticeable but only a smidge. 

“The defense and defendant must return to the courtroom in five minutes! A penalty will be struck if requirements are not met!” The bailiff announced. 

Just then, a figure appeared behind the two. 
“Um, hello. Mr. Kurusu is it? As well as Mr. Sakamoto? I have something to give,” The voice spoke. It was the well composed Natsuhiko Nakanohara. 
He seemed to be nervous, droplets of a cold sweat forming on his forehead. Might've been because of any repercussions he might receive if his accusation proved to be wrong. 

“Yes, what is it, Mr. Nakanohara?” Akira's gaze shot quickly to him, dragging down to an article the businessman held in his hand. 

“It's this…” Nakanohara held out the article to him. “It's a newspaper about an old pupil of Madarame's, and also about a painting being stolen called the "Sayuri", Madarame claimed it as his own but I'm doubtful. The student, he was pushed to commit suicide.” The air suddenly got cold. “They suspect that Madarame was a possible cause, but his fame got his name cleared quickly. “ Anyone would have different reasons! ” They said; since then, it hasn't been brought up again because it was a few years ago. I hope it'll be useful,” He shoved the article into Akira's hands and promptly turned on his heels before walking away. 

“Dear god… That son of a bitch!” Ryuji cursed, taking the article from Akira's possession and scanning its contents quickly before handing it back. 

“Well, let's bring Ichiryusai Madarame to justice. In the name of Kirumi, and this new victim we found.” Akira also had hopes that he could see the Akechi that he had met those years ago that defended him in the name of justice as well. 

—

Who they were expecting to see at the stand was Madarame, who they got instead was a boy with short blue hair in a plain blue tee. His appearance made it seem like he didn't have too much, but he seemed like a nice fellow indeed. 

“Erm, state your name and occupation for the court please.” Akechi seemed on edge, or at least Akira could see it. He always wore this perfect smile unless it was when he purposely showed his emotions for a joke, or when he needed something answered. 

“Ah, my name is Yusuke Kitagawa. I am an artist who recently graduated from the fine arts academy of Kosei high. Madarame is also my Sensei in these fine arts and I live in his shack.” The boy, now named Yusuke, introduced himself. 

“Great. So, Kitagawa, could you perhaps testify as to what Madarame is like? Give us some clues on anything? We believe he may be connected to this case, and seeing as you live with him, you of all people should know.” Akechi gave Yusuke what he should testify first and left him with whatever he had to say. Given these circumstances, he’d have no time to prepare him for this whatsoever… So, what Yusuke said had to be genuine, right?

—

Madarame’s Lodgings 

—

“ It’s quite a quaint little shack. I have one room I create art in. ”

“ But, M adarame has done no such wrongs! I can swear on it! ”

“ I owe him my life after all… So why would I need to lie? ”

“ I have also hardly heard of Kirumi Aoi in my life! We are very similar in age, so wouldn’t it be weird? ”

“ Either way, this incident has nothing to do with my Sensei, nor me. ”

—

“ Sorry I have to be the one to break this to you, Kitagawa-Kun. But, this case is connected to you and Madarame. Well, more specifically just Madarame. We found a painting within Ms. Aoi's apartment that appeared to be finished but it's not with her signature on it. Though, I'm more curious about what this could possibly mean, hmm? Madarame being her Sensei as well…” Akira smirked, giving a knowing glare to Yusuke. 

“But, you still have no possible evidence he's done anything wrong! He's a busy man! He could be doing anything in his spare time! He's always such a kind man…” Yusuke's expression scrunched up into an unsure sort of smile. A crumbling determination to protect his Sensei because he'd have nowhere else to go if Madarame was found guilty of such a crime like murder. 

“He has done wrong in the past, Kitagawa. And I can prove it.” Akira's words made Yusuke's grin shatter, immediately receiving a quizzical look from the artist. 

“So, where is this evidence? If you cannot prove it, then don't bother speaking!” Yusuke was suddenly getting defensive, which caught Akira slightly off guard, but he could handle it with ease. 

Akira pulled out the article Nakanohara gave him. Guess this did come to use after all. “ Objection! Kitagawa, do you truly know what he has possibly done? He pushed a former pupil of his to commit suicide because he was stealing his art !” He announced, reading directly from the article. 

“ He had told me a few days before he committed that he couldn't take it anymore. Something about Madarame and how he ruined his art career. He was left with nothing. ”

“And how did you come up with that preposterous conclusion from that !? The poor student… He must've still had so much ahead of him.” Yusuke seemed to show sympathy, losing the defensive touch to his words quickly. 

“Why, by logic. And it'd explain how it all ties back to this case,” The defense attorney nodded and proceeded to explain just how. “Think about it. A young artist with so much ahead of him, just as you said. He never attempted to profit off of his own art, hardly ever knew of his name, and who would have the perfect opportunity to take credit for the man's paintings? It would be Madarame, his own Sensei.” Akira concluded. But he wouldn't stop there, he'd grasp the whole truth! 

Yusuke seemed to react in surprise. He had no words for this because he knew it was all true. He was failing to protect the one person he had. As bad as he may be, Madarame was the only familial figure around for him. “This… This is preposterous, is it not? Absolutely absurd… The man is supposed to be someone of virtue, not vice. Perhaps the truth is stranger than fiction at times.” He let out a pitiful chuckle across the courtroom. 

“And, the same thing is happening to you , isn't it, Kitagawa-Kun?” Akira felt like he was prying into Yusuke's life, but it was too late to go back now. 
“Madarame is using you because you owe him your life, am I right? It's something you stated in your testimony about living with him,” He paused to think of something else to say but Yusuke seemed broken. Torn up into shreds and withered to the ground. 

“...When he took me in because my Mother had passed… I thought it was a great gift.” Yusuke began, a miserable expression across his face. “But, I was quickly proven wrong.” He shook his head. “The Sayuri painting, it was truly a delicate piece of art and it was what kept me going through the rough times. Madarame said it had vanished one day; my hopes had suddenly diminished. I cannot explain why, but as much as I do not recall my Mother, it felt like she was there whenever I gazed at it. Such a marvelous sight…” He sighed gloomily, his head down like a whimpering animal looking for something it had lost. 

“The Sayuri?” Akira whispered to himself, examining Nakanohara's article again. It didn't seem to have any idea about its whereabouts at all. So, he couldn't help with that exactly… 
“I do think Madarame has kept more from you than you think. Although I have no idea where it is right now, it definitely has something to do with your Sensei.” He closed his eyes to think. 

“ Objection! I think, Kurusu, that you're getting off track. The Sayuri painting has nothing to do with this and is not significant in any way.” Akechi's tone was snarky, more like an impatient child than the professional prosecutor they usually saw. 

The next moment, something ignited within Yusuke and he was suddenly enraged at Akechi for saying that. “The Sayuri is important!! You don't understand! You're Not the one supposed to be speaking now, are you?” He held onto the witness stand, slightly leaning forward towards Akechi like a fox ready to pounce. It was honestly terrifying but he cooled down quickly. 
“Please pardon my interruption, that was very unlike me.” He cleared his throat, back to his usual cool tone and posture. 

“...” Akechi was left in shock, his expression clearly showing it. Eyes dazed, jaw dropped. 

There was silence in the courtroom until the judge spoke up about the objection. “Prosecutor Akechi does have a fair point, what significance does the Sayuri painting have towards the main case about Kirumi Aoi?” He asked, awaiting the answer from Akira. 

“Well, your honor, I can make the connection within the same article as the suicide. It's about the Sayuri's disappearance. It was reported to have gone missing a few years ago. The artist was claimed to be Madarame and his big start towards fame. Why would such a famous piece disappear and he still focuses his efforts on other paintings? It's because he deprives his students of their masterpieces because he cannot do it himself!” Akira slammed his fist on the desk. “So, the painting found in Ms. Aoi's room was truly her's, but Madarame was going to sell it as his own!” That probably took most of him out, shrinking back into whatever shadows he could hide in. 

“Are you implying he also… ?” Yusuke's eyes widened, disbelief overtaking his face. There wasn't a need to finish the sentence. He also stole the Sayuri for himself. 
“I - I haven't seen it anywhere though! He just has a storage closet where he keeps his paintings that he doesn't… Allow me into…” He slowly realized the words coming out of his mouth. No wonder he hadn't been able to see the full truth the whole time.
“Mother…” Yusuke's eyes watered up, tears pricking at the corners. Noises of sniffling could be heard coming from the witness stand. 
“I want to know what really happened to her… Perhaps he had been lying to me this entire time… I ha - hadn't known.” Yusuke's voice stammered as he wept. “He told me her death was an accident because of a seizure and took me into his care. I was only three around the time, but I had loved art just like her. I just wish I could see her again…” 

Akira truly felt bad for Yusuke. Nobody should have to suffer like that. It was just so unfair, so unjust. 
“Well, let's find evidence of his crimes and expose them all. Right, Yusuke?” He asked, a small smile finally showing. Akira didn't normally have to fight the urge to cry, even though he felt hurt at times, he never showed tears. 

“Huh?” Was all the artist could whimper, wiping away his tears slowly but surely. “Where can I even go after this? I have nowhere to be, nor many friends…” He was definitely at his limit. Weak, crying, unsure. Everything suddenly opened up to him and Yusuke was thankful. Just, maybe it should've been revealed earlier. 

Akira offered to let Yusuke stay with him immediately. He'd let nobody else get this chance just in case he fell into the wrong hands again. “You can stay with me, Yusuke! I may not have too much, but it'll be much better than being alone!” His voice raised to show his determination. 

“You'd really… ?” Yusuke gasped. “I am forever in your debt, Kurusu-San!” He'd just have to hope now that the tears were tears of joy instead of somber. 

“I see now that this proves beyond a shadow of doubt that it could not be Ryuji Sakamoto. It appears this is deeper and leads to many other crimes that Ichiryusai Madarame has committed, including the murder of Ms. Kirumi Aoi.” The judge nodded. “But, why would he do such a thing?” He asked curiously. 

“Simple, your honor.” Akechi chimed in, not giving Akira a chance to have any more of this credit he was receiving. “Ms. Aoi didn't want Madarame to steal her paintings anymore. She had enough like that other kid, but she retaliated against him and he just wouldn't have that. He's a selfish crook that deserves nothing. ”

“I was gonna say that…” Akira stated in an awkward mumble, fiddling with a few strands of his bangs. 

“Well it seems I beat you to it, Kurusu.” Akechi was rubbing it in at this point. Not like he did anything to solve the case! And yet he gets to state what Madarame is!? Using the words Akira was gonna say!? The defense felt embarrassed he didn't speak up sooner. 

“I see. Thanks to you both, we've now caught a criminal that would continue to roam if the truth was not revealed today. And, Mr. Sakamoto, an innocent bystander, would've been arrested.” The judge nodded, handing down his verdict. “Ryuji Sakamoto, I pronounce you: Not Guilty. ” 

Akira felt so much relief when the verdict was handed down. Finally… It was all over. Now, please don't let Ryuji hug him too tightly, he's going to overstimulate. 

—

May 2nd, 1:32 PM

District Court

Defendant's Lobby No. 2

—

“AWW REN-REN!!” Ryuji pulled Akira into a tight hug once they got out of the courtroom. “YOU DID IT!!” He cheered. Ryuji had the best smile he had ever shown upon his face, or at least Akira thinks of it that way. 

‘ That was stressful. But, I work well under pressure. ’ Akira had that small thought to himself before responding. “Please loosen just a bit!! Please!” He pleaded because this is exactly what he didn't want. Ryuji complied, loosening his grip on him. “Besides, it wasn't all just me. I'd also thank Mr. Nakanohara for the help; he truly did turn out to be a useful asset. I hope that he, and the victims of Madarame, are at peace knowing he will no longer be an acknowledged artist, but just a criminal in everyone's eyes.”

A figure appeared in the distance. It was Yusuke Kitagawa, with the same dazzling navy blue hair that reached to his shoulders, and puffed up eyes from all of the crying he had done. It probably stung a bit. 

“Hello Sakamoto-Kun, Kurusu-San.” His smile was polite, just the nice fellow they had first seen on the stand. 

“Ah, hello Kitagawa-Kun. Are you doing alright?” Akira was the first of the two to speak up, Ryuji responding on top of that right after. 

“Yeah, dude. You had a whole freakout there… Had me all worried.” The blonde's eyebrows furrowed, finally letting Akira fully free and crossing his arms. 

“Thank you both for your concerns. Although, I am truly doing fine now thanks to your help, Kurusu-San. I was deeply afraid, and you seem to have given me a guiding light. So, I am forever in your debt for saving me. Please call me Yusuke as well,” Yusuke's smile softened, and Akira swore that for a moment he saw himself within the artist. That was enough for Akira to conclude that he should protect him from any other dangers that may come his way. 

Just then, another shadow appeared that belonged to someone else. Akira immediately glanced to see who it was and his heart skipped a beat. 
“Akechi… ! Why are you here?” He asked with an expression that asked so many questions at once that neither had the time for. 

“Oh, I just wanted to congratulate you on your win, Kurusu.” Akechi had that sweet smile he always gave to him on his face. Akira could still never tell if it was real or not. Just toying with his heart… He wanted to find out the real Goro Akechi. 

“Yeah, well now you've done it you can get out of here Prosecutor Imperfect.” Ryuji stepped in front of Akira quickly. “We both know you're just going to say some shit and leave, so leave now.” He rolled his eyes aggressively. 

“Oh no no, that's not my intention at all, Sakamoto.” Akechi shook his head. “It is as I said and I also wanted to have a private chat with him. I promise, no harm will be done. You can calm down now. And for you, Kitagawa, I hope the rest of what comes for you is more joyful than your years with Madarame. Take it from me, Kurusu is truly something…” He meant that in admiration as best as he could put admiration into a mix of ‘I will beat you in court one day’ and another mix of emotions. 

“Ah, yes. Thank you, Akechi. I'll trust you on those words because I trust Kurusu!” Yusuke's voice had confidence within it, which lightened the air with a cheerful mood. 

Akechi put a hand on Akira's shoulder suddenly, which made him jump a bit. Akira wasn't one to appreciate someone randomly poking him or the likes either. Being touch-sensitive was definitely some crime to his emotions! 

“Now, about our little chat? We have much to talk about.” He asked with a different smile, the one Akira knew meant that he should go along. 

“Yes, I'll be right back, you two. I won't go far.” Akira nodded to the other two. “Just in case you were worried, of course.” He chuckled lightheartedly. Of course, that was targeted towards Ryuji who didn't seem to trust Akechi at all. 

Akechi led Akira down a narrow hallway, not too far away from Ryuji and Yusuke's sight. When the brunette came to a stop, Akira was the first to speak out of the two. 

“So, what did you want to talk about, Akechi?” He asked, giving the prosecutor a curious expression to make sure he at least understood he had no clue which of the things he had in mind that they could talk about. 

“Hmm, I feel you should know what's on your mind. I saw that look when you first saw me again. I wasn't expecting to actually see you here…” Akechi paused, letting out a small sigh that reformed his smile into something different. Akira had never seen this smile from Akechi. Perhaps this was his true smile? 
“Though, I must say: It's a relief I shouldn't feel. You, your kindness to others, you somehow defeating me in the profession I've done for years, it fills me with bittersweet. It makes me unsure, a feeling I do not want possessing me no matter how much sunshine comes from it. You, Kurusu, why do you do this to me?” Akechi asked sternly. He wanted an answer he could never get; Akira felt the same exact way. 

“I'm sorry. I can't answer. You've made me feel weird as well - not in a bad way though. Just, weird. Emotions are necessary, yes. I just don't feel them much, nor can I express them easily. It's just simple to say things, but you've made me feel genuine with myself. The reason I'm a defense attorney in the first place is you. So blame yourself for whatever downfall you had there.” Akira didn't mean for it to sound cold, but by Akechi's surprised expression, he seemed to have hit some sort of nerve. 

“!... Coming from anyone else, I would've taken it as some form of sarcasm. Perhaps, that is why my heart is stinging.” Akechi gripped the cloth that concealed where his chest would be located tightly, crumpling his suit in different places around the impact. He didn't want to feel this stinging in his heart, it would only make it harder for him to be able to keep his composure when he's around. 

“I thought talking to you would clear me of these thoughts, and I thought you didn't want to see me until I was proven wrong today. Even after I had never responded to you for all those years. You came back into my life. You're special, but I can't explain why.” His gaze turned away, and over to Ryuji. “Sakamoto seems to hold some resentment towards me though, but never addressed why. Does he know anything?” Akechi's eyes glanced back to Akira. 

“Ah, no. He doesn't. It's quite the opposite in fact. He's mad I won't tell him because that text has been on my mind all these years. I think we've both realized something important.” Akira gave Akechi a chance to finish this sentence of his he had in mind but Akechi kept his silence. 

“Not going to finish? Hmph, fine. Keep it to yourself then, we all have our secrets.” Akira carelessly grinned, then adding on something else. “I know this seems like nothing, but there was a time that I had actually wished to see the cherry blossoms countless times with someone else. My parents never took me, so I'd sneak out just to see them even though there was always time in the morning or looking out the school window. But, it never felt as fun as it did at night. Dew from the night dripping onto pastel pink and washing the spring in a fresh coat of welcomes…” Black hair twirled in his fingers as he spoke, daydreaming about the moments. 

“Are you implying you'd like to go with me to see them some time next sakura season?” Akechi held in a small chuckle. Upon questioning, Akira felt his face heat up, the tips of his ears going red. 

“Oh, I don't know…” The grin he wore shrank into a coy smile, fiddling with his sleeve as he spoke. A way to distract him from his emotions, the way he felt, the fluttering again… 

This time, Akechi couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out in laughter. “Hahahah! You haven't changed a bit, Kurusu! Though, maybe that's what I like! You're still the same boy from all those years ago. I still don't fully understand you, not even after all this time.” He sighed happily. “I'll think about it then, and get back to you.” He winked, beginning to walk away until he was stopped by Akira. 

“Wait!” Akira pleaded. “What did you mean by that text back then… About wishing we had met years ago? I need to know.” He held on tightly to the sinking feeling in his heart from bringing that back up again, but it had to be done. Just one answer. 

“That, I cannot tell. As you said, we all have our own secrets.” Something in Akechi's expression seemed to be hurting as if he'd like to tell Akira, he just couldn't. 
“I know you won't be satisfied with that answer, but it's best that at least one of us stays in the dark.” He began walking yet again and no longer stopped to look back.

“... Fine. I'll stay in the dark then, Akechi. I belong in the shadows anyways.” Akira murmured bitterly. Of course he was unsatisfied that it wasn't answered, anyone would. But Akira decided to put off this sour feeling for later and go back home. 

First, he informed Ryuji and Yusuke of his whereabouts and that of course Akechi did no harm. Then, he took Yusuke and drove the two of them back to what would be their house. It was a quaint little home, actually more like a cafe but that was probably the charm of what made Akira buy it. He always loved making coffee. 

“Well, welcome home! I hope it's decent enough for you,” Akira chuckled nervously and he heard a small ding from his phone. 
Quickly, he picked up the device to check what it was. 

[Akechi: Hey, Kurusu. I'd like to be on speaking terms with you again. We have much to talk about, don't we?]